Moms In Motion : Connecting Moms Through Fitness

Usually, something calls to me when I sit down to write with my hot coffee, open window and folksy background music. Usually, it is free and fun. But I have to say, this month I feel the weight of too many external and internal pulls. The economy and the election alone have added a whole new layer of uncertainty and stress and although I understand that there are both positive and negative stresses, it is still stress. How do you find peace in the midst of it all?

 

I’d like to think I am a half full type, so typically I have a pretty good attitude towards life. But things happen; sometimes all at once and sometimes in a tidy pace line. We all have heard that the secret to managing stress is how we respond to it. Our response either keeps us healthy or it ignites the problem to new heights, right? Because there’s a lot more “extra” stuff going on out there, I thought I would take some time to remember what techniques work to help realign myself in stressful situations. I know experts in the field would suggest some of these and lots more, but maybe some of these things will help those of you feeling it too…Here are a few things I practice:

 

1. When I was teaching, a colleague shared a technique she used that helped simplify the gazillion paper reminders and requests we received on a daily basis. Most teachers would place their mail on their desk to sort out “later.” By the end of the week the mound became a mountain so that just looking at it caused anxiety. To prevent this from happening, my colleague would stand next to the recycling bin each morning before class and sort through her mail. Simple task, but huge when you apply this technique to other places of your life like in your relationships, your work, your children, your friends. What’s important? Deal with it. What’s not? Drop. Proactive and it works!

2.  Just say no. There are so many things I would love to sign up for because I am genuinely interested in life. I am a doer. I like to be involved. But with a flourishing family and business and the need to have a social life as well, I have had to cut back on other commitments. Now, if I volunteer at school, it has to be something that my children will benefit from too, like volunteering in the classroom or driving to a field trip or setting up for the school book fair. Yes, it is an honor to be asked to sit on different committees or boards, or to be invited to parties or fundraisers, but time is precious and I am one person. Learning to say yes to what matters to me most and no to obligatory duties, relationships etc…has allowed me to be more honest and purposeful with the time I have to give.

3. Exercise…I know, I’m talking to the choir here. But I think it is absolutely VITAL for so many reasons, especially for reducing day to day stress. It’s my time to sort through life, think my own thoughts and/or Zen out. I really believe that you have to be smart and insist on consistent exercise time because of all the benefits. As cliché as it is, it’s true… if you are healthy and happy, your family will follow suit!

4. Connect with nature – I watched a TV program that highlighted various pockets of centurions around the world. They featured specific populations and explored why these groups lived longer than others…Unlike most of the groups who were geographically connected, one group was a religion, spread out around the world. Scientists attributed the amount of centurions to one of their major tenets to commune with nature every day.  That resonated with me in the sense that after a trail run or an ocean swim, I feel restored. I have a second wind and a positive attitude. Combine nature with anything and you have a natural stress reliever times two. So seek nature as a means to de-stress!

5. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Sit on a response if you are uncertain. Take time to think how your decision will affect you and your family if it is a time commitment. Weigh out whether this is an obligation task or an “I want” to do task. Count to 10 before you react to any heated, emotional conversation. Breathe.

6. Focus on the little things in life – one of my favorite things to do, is watch my children sleep. They are so peaceful and innocent. Their breathing is steady and constant. I find this very calming and a great reminder of priorities. The little things often get overlooked, and yet it is in these things that I feel grounded.

7. Finally, seek laughter. Make it a point to be with people who lift you up, who bring joy to your life, who make you laugh. Michael and I also make a point to tape TV programs that make us giggle at the end of the day such as The Office and the Colbert Report…silly and light. Lighten your day through laughter.

So there you have it my friends…I hope you can take some time to take a deep breath and focus on your true priorities. Practice focusing on all the stuff you do have control over and then filter out all the stuff you simply don’t have control over. Sometimes focusing on what you can do is helpful in itself.

Happy Halloween, Happy New President, Happy Thanksgiving! Phew, what an exciting fall!

As my mom always says, remember to stop and smell the roses!!

In gratitude,

Jamie